Staff Directory

Staff are listed in alphabetical order by first name. To find a particular staff member by Name: search by Last or First name in the keyword box and press the tner key or click on the search button. For school specific departments use the drop down list to filter by school sections and subjects.

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  Jayna M Cortes

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Primary School, Administration
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  Sharon Rose

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Primary School, Administration
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  Mylene CDE Jesus

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Secondary School, Administration
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  Jacquelyn Guillermo

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Secondary School, Administration
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  Lorelyn P.Biene

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Primary School, Administration
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  Edna Naya

  Bus Nanny / Cleaner

  Departments: Primary School
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  Mark Patrick Kearney

  Business Studies Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School

  Mark is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and empowering students to reach their full potential. With 17 years of teaching experience, Mark has dedicated his career to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. He has worked in various leading independent schools in the UK and Africa, gaining a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
  Born in Durban, on the East Coast of South Africa, Mark's journey into education began during his time as a university student. While studying for a Bachelor of Accounting at the University of South Africa, he discovered his innate talent for coaching and mentoring. It was through coaching sports and chess that he realized his true calling lay in education. Driven by his desire to make a positive impact on students' lives, Mark pursued a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
  As an educator, Mark firmly believes in the potential of every student to excel in various areas. He embraces a student-centered approach, providing guidance and support to help each individual thrive. He is particularly enthusiastic about integrating technology into the classroom, constantly seeking innovative methods to enhance the learning experience.
  Beyond the classroom, Mark finds solace in his adventurous spirit. He loves traveling to new destinations, exploring diverse cultures, and broadening his horizons. You'll often find him hiking, casting his fishing line into a lake or engaging in a friendly game of squash.
  With his wealth of experience, dedication to student success, and passion for utilizing technology, Mark is thrilled to bring his expertise to Ajman Academy. He looks forward to fostering a stimulating and nurturing learning environment that empowers students to grow academically, socially, and personally.
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  Phillip Venter

  Business Studies Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School

  Phillip Venter
  Originating from sunny South Africa, Philip is excited to join Ajman Academy.      
  His journey in education began with a strong academic foundation, leading him to pursue a B.com in Financial Management from RAU, complemented by a PGCE from Northwest University. He has been managing sports, cultural activities and all logistics connected to these aspects of schools since 2012, achieving considerable success along the way. In his capacity as Head of Grade, the management of his student’s well-being is one of his main functions. 
  His motto in life is the Greek phrase, “gnothi seauton”, which translates as “know thyself”. It is his belief that students not only need to learn how to be good citizens and how to function within a community, but they also need to learn who they are as individuals within that community.He has been a classroom teacher for nineteen years and has served in various capacities and grade levels.He thrives on the challenge of teaching students academically, but also derive great intrinsic job satisfaction from helping them to grow socially. It is his belief that his experience and passion for teaching equips him perfectly for the role you wish to fill at your school. 
  Beyond his professional achievements, he deeply cherish a harmonious and balanced family life. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and a wonderful son, and their well-being and happiness hold the highest regard in his life. Recognizing the importance of a balanced existence,he firmly believes that a harmonious blend of family and work life is crucial to cultivating a positive mindset and setting realistic goals in life.
  Given his extensive experience, unwavering passion for education, and exceptional leadership abilities, he is excited to become part of this institution and contribute to its culture of passion, growth, and unequivocal excellence.
  
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  Robert Alan East

  Chemistry Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School, Science

  Secondary Title: Grade 10 Girls Mentor

  Robert has 27 years of experience teaching science and chemistry to A-level in both selective and non-selective schools in the UK. For the last 11 years, he has also taught IB diploma Chemistry to international students in an academy in the UK.
  
  Robert is resident in the south west of England and is married with three grown-up children. He has a BSc Honours degree and a Master’s degree in Geology and Geochemistry from the University of Manchester. He gained his teaching qualification (PGCE) at the Institute of Education in London. Working as a postgraduate student in the Austrian Alps lead to his love of mountainous regions.
  
  Robert loves that teaching and learning science is a collaborative and inclusive activity that gets us to think hard and critically analyse information. He believes that developing experimental skills and using scientific methods will help us understand the world we share and create a sustainable and healthier future.
  
  Robert has a passion for the outdoors and spends part of his spare time hiking, camping and running in the mountainous regions of the UK, Europe and Morocco. He is a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition assessor and trainer and has helped many students gain their awards. He likes to travel and explore with his family and relaxes by cooking, reading and watching movies.
  
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  Claire Chapman

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Claire Chapman is a BA (Hons) UK primary trained teacher who has been extremely lucky to achieve her dream career for the past 7 years. She loves working with children and seeing them thrive and achieve in every way. Through her specialism (PSHE), she understands the importance of making all children feel secure in order to bring out their full potential, this is the heart of her ethos.
  Claire continually promotes positivity, respect, motivation and trust, which helps to build true connections with her students, which in turn helps her students to become confident and engaged. Claire originates from Southport, England but decided that there was a big world out there and decided to teach abroad. She moved to the UAE in 2014, landed in Ras Al Khaimah and fell in love with the place, the culture and the people. Since moving to RAK, she has worked in both Grade 1 and Grade 2 at RAK Academy and is very excited to join such a wonderful school to continue her career. In her spare time, Claire enjoys playing golf and exploring new places that the UAE has to offer as well as travelling and learning about new cultures to enhance her understanding of the world. This allows her to share experiences with children to enable them to be Global Citizens of the future.
  
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  Asma Jamil Hafesji

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Asma Hafesji is a graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University. She graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Bachelors of Primary Education and began employment immediately in a three-form entry primary school setting. During the seven years at this school, Asma has covered a range of roles, always striving to continuously improve and progress in her career. She began as a class teacher and was able to continue this role, alongside leadership opportunities such as Middle Leader of KS1, ICT lead, University Mentor, Tuition Tutor during COVID, curriculum and subject leadership and E-safety lead.
  In August 2022, Asma moved to the UAE to expand her opportunities to progress and worked at the International School of Creative Science, completing the role of Head of Section for KS1 and her eighth year in the Education sector. This was the next step in Asma’s career development plan and allowed her to be accountable for 735 students and 102 members of staff. Her role covered a range of academic and pastoral / operational responsibilities, and she oversaw two buildings for Year 1 and Year 2.
  During Asma’s teaching experience, she has covered all key stages of the National Curriculum of England, including EYFS, KS1 and KS2, as well as completing leadership roles and being part of the Senior Leadership Team. She has also been a designated safeguarding lead and has completed the NSPCC safer recruitment training, amongst many other CPD sessions for both teaching and leadership. Even though her aspirations are to progress eventually to a senior leadership position, she is adaptable, and her skills can be transferable to other roles and situations. Asma is confident about teaching all subject areas in the Primary school.
  Asma firmly believes that the students should be at the center of their learning and is passionate about researching ways in which teachers can provide students with the correct tools and opportunities to become independent and lifelong learners. She is always keen to participate in any additional CPD to broaden her experience and understanding, to ensure that the students are always given the chance to make progress in each lesson, regardless of the subject or content being taught. Asma believes that students should have a positive experience in education, where they feel valued, respected, and inspired to have high aspirations and to reach their full potential. Each child is individual and unique, and this should be celebrated and encouraged.
  During Asma’s free time, she likes to socialize with friends, go out to eat in new restaurants to try different types of cuisines, go to the cinema, go shopping with friends and go to the spa / pool to relax and enjoy the climate of the UAE. She also enjoys exploring new places in the UAE and learning about different cultures and nationalities.
  
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  Hania Easton - Wisniewski

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Hania Easton was born and raised in Scotland, United Kingdom. She attained an MA (hons) in International Business management with marketing from Heriot Watt University. Later, she graduated from the University of Birmingham, with a PGCE in Primary Education.
  
  Hania has been living in the UAE since 2017. Prior to joining Ajman Academy, she was working as a primary teacher at a British school in Dubai and has loved her time teaching in the UAE. Hania is passionate about creating positive and engaging learning experiences for her students. She hopes to share her inquisitive nature and passion for knowledge with the young minds that she works alongside. She understands that all children are unique and aims to nurture their gifts.
  
  Outside of school, Hania enjoys skiing, particularly on beautiful mountain slopes. She regularly travels to her home in Scotland and enjoys being with her family in the bonny Scottish countryside.
  
  
  
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  Heather Marie Horvath

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  
  Heather Horvath was born in Australia, lived many years in London and currently lives in Ras al Khaimah. She studied and worked in London believing that teaching the upper primary school was for her, before being hired to teach year 1 and discovering the sheer chaos of learning through play and embraced it wholeheartedly.
  She spent a few years as a year one teacher before leaving to do supply work and gain experience in other grades. She spent the last year teaching KG2 in Al Rams in a 100% Arabic speaking school.
  During this time and her time teaching in inner city London schools, she has worked with lots of children that English is a second language. Speaking and listening, games and visuals are a big part of teaching in an EAL setting and her background in performance and theatre provides her with the skills to create interesting and engaging lessons. She thinks that providing a safe space and engaging lessons allows the children to take charge of their own learning and develop their skills at a fast pace.
  She believes that children’s social and emotional well-being is an important aspect to their learning and development. She thinks that creating meaningful relationships through listening, encourages the students to feel safe and in turn provides them the opportunity to succeed. Fostering these relationships with the parents is just as important, as she believes it is a team effort that helps to create a well-rounded person, ready for the future.
  In addition to teaching, she has liaised with the edible garden coordinator to encourage outdoor learning and directed the year one Christmas play. In the UAE, she hosted an Art club for after school activities.
  Outside of school she enjoys swimming, exercising, and taking the time to read a good book. She is delighted to be a part of the Ajman academy team.
  
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  Leelah Stephanie Mansour

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Leelah Stephanie Mansour was born and raised in South Africa. She graduated from the University of Potchefstroom with a bachelor’s degree in education. She has worked in South Africa and the UAE . She has been in the UAE for a full year and has worked at Al Narjes Charter School in Al Ain. Her 7-year teaching experience has rewarded her the opportunity to teach Kindergarten through Grade 3m, as well as being a Grade Coordinator for 2 years in South Africa. She is married.
  
  Leelah has a true passion for working with young learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development; academic, social, language and motor are challenges that she is honored to accept daily. She loves sports. She particularly enjoys netball and has a twin sister.
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  Rene Mae Esau

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Rene Esau-Jones was born and raised in South Africa and graduated from the University of the Western Cape with a bachelor’s degree in education. A few years later, she settled in the UK, teaching pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 5, gaining extensive teaching experience as a Senior Leader (NPQSL), Phase Leader and Subject Lead.
  With over 20 years of teaching in the UK and looking for a new challenge and environment, she applied for and attained a teaching position in the UAE in 2020 and has happily settled here with her husband ever since.
  Rene is a passionate and dedicated teacher, devoting her career to inspiring and guiding pupils towards success. She has developed a deep understanding of the importance of fostering a positive and engaging environment that promotes growth and learning. Rene believes that education can transform lives and that every child deserves access to quality teaching that supports their unique learning needs. She is committed to creating a classroom culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging pupils to become active and engaged learners.
  
  She will utilise her past knowledge and experience at Ajman Academy, working collaboratively to help deliver a school-wide holistic approach to teaching and learning, empowering each child to achieve their full potential.
  
  In her spare time, she enjoys fitness training, reading, and travelling, spending most of her time outdoors enjoying the UAE’s sunny climate.
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  Lincoln Rooseveldt Esbrand Jr

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  
  Lincoln Esbrand Jr. is a New Yorker at heart who began his educational journey in the bustling cityscape. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary education with a K-8 certification from Walla University, he is now pursuing a master’s in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University to enhance his leadership abilities further.
  
  As a devoted husband and father, Lincoln values the quality time spent with his wife and young son. His career path took him to various fields, including South Korea, where he spent four enriching years teaching multiple subjects and serving as a Dean for boys, to an exciting stint in the tech world as a Technical Recruiter for an Australian firm.
  Lincoln considers the UAE a home away from home, particularly the years he lived in Ras Al Khaimah. For seven years, he taught Grade 4 students at the Emirates National Schools RAK campus, helping to guide his students' academic and personal development.
  To Lincoln, teaching is more than a career; it's his purpose. With a strong belief in the transformative power of education, he's excited to contribute his passion for learning, strong teaching skills, and dedicated leadership to Ajman Academy.
  Beyond the classroom, Lincoln is a man of varied interests. He embraces every moment, whether it's quality family time, acquiring new skills, delving into a good book, or traveling to explore diverse cultures. These experiences feed his soul and fuel his role as an educator, allowing him to deliver a well-rounded , engaging education to his students.
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  Farag Mohammed

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Farag Mohammed was born and raised in Birmingham, UK. He graduated from Birmingham City University with a Bachelor Degree in Primary Education. He has worked in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He has been in the UAE since 2019 and has previously worked at RAK Academy in Ras Al Khaimah. His 13-year teaching experience has rewarded him the opportunity to teach Grade 3 through to Grade 5 including being a SEND and specialist maths teacher. He has also has had the opportunity to lead whole school PE. 

Farag’s philosophy in teaching is to provide a safe and positive learning environment for students in which they develop their academic and social skills needed to become responsible community and global citizens. He wants the children to develop responsibility for their own learning and a resilient attitude to challenging tasks. His students are encouraged to respect, value, and share their own and each other's unique abilities.
  
  
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  Gabrielle Theodore

  Classroom Teacher

  Departments: Primary School

  Gabrielle Theodore was born in London and studied at Roehampton Institute (University of Surrey, UK), where she obtained a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature and Education. Gabrielle has twenty-five years of valuable teaching experience which includes the UK and internationally. She has taught across the age phases from Nursery to Grade 6. Her career began as a Montessori teacher, which inspired her holistic approach to childhood education and passion for making learning fun, engaging, relevant and memorable. Gabrielle’s passion for creating a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and promotes life-long learning skills led her to qualify as a teacher in multicultural UK schools. During her teacher training, she participated in an Erasmus scholarship programme in Lund University, Sweden, which specialised in “Teaching in Multi-Lingual Primary Schools”. This training led to an interest in teaching English to multi-lingual students in the UK and internationally. Gabrielle has worked for the British Council teaching English to children and adults in summer school programmes in London, Jordan, Hong Kong and Qatar. Gabrielle’s international teaching experience also includes the British School of Kuwait, Doha British School, British International School Abu Dhabi and Aldar Academies. In addition to this, she has been a subject coordinator at several schools, English as an Additional Language coordinator and contributed to raising standards of achievement in Writing and Science.
  Gabrielle is delighted to be joining the Ajman Academy community. She is committed to implementing the best methods to overcome language barriers to learning so that all students succeed. Gabrielle believes that a safe learning environment that nurtures self-esteem and respect for others is crucial in developing confident and tolerant global citizens and leaders that can work collaboratively with others towards a better world for all.
  Gabrielle enjoys travelling and visiting places of historic interest. Her travelling experience has also inspired an interest in photography and silk painting. She is also an avid reader and enjoys going to the theatre and music concerts.
  
  
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  Lourdes Gualiza

  Classroom/Bus Nanny

  Departments: Primary School, Administration
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  Nirmala Bhattarai

  Cleaner

  Departments: Secondary School, Administration
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  Suresh George

  Design & Technology Technician

  Departments: Secondary School
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  Thomas Wonzeri

  Design and Technology Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School, Arts
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  Mohammad Ansari

  Electrician

  Departments: Administration
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  Kathriena Joyce

  English Coordinator, Grade 3

  Departments: Primary School

  Kathriena was born and raised on the Aran Islands in Ireland. She graduated from the National University of Ireland with a Bachelor Degree in Arts in Irish, English and Philosophy. She also graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Primary Education. She has worked in the United Arab Emirates as a teacher since 2013. She has worked in Ras Al Khaimah American Academy for Girls for two years and as a Private Teacher for three years teaching in different schools throughout that time. While in Ireland she worked as a Learning Support Teacher and a Resource teacher teaching children with Special Education Needs and Learning Disabilities.
  Kathriena places a great deal of emphasis on the holistic approach to learning. She strives to create a safe and secure environment where children gain confidence personally and emotionally and learn to express what they know as well as their needs and what they would like to learn. She believes that if a child feels secure and confident, this can translate into their approach to learning and dealing with new situations. This gives them the confidence to be responsible and considerate citizens within their community and abroad.
  
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  Charmaine Van Zyl

  English Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School, English

  Secondary Title: Head of Student Achievement and Wellbeing

  Charmaine was born and raised in sunny South Africa. She speaks English and Afrikaans and is passionate about nature and wildlife.
  She obtained a BEd: SF and FET degree from the University of South Africa. She taught English, Geography and Math at two different high schools in South Africa and was an Academic Quality Controller at the International School of Choueifat for three years.
  Charmaine believes that when you teach, you touch the future.
  She strongly agrees with Nelson Mandela’s view on education – “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
  
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  Francis Meehan

  English Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School

  Francis Meehan was born and raised in Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. He graduated from secondary school in 2009 on completion of his Leaving Certificate. Francis attended St. Patrick’s Carlow College studying a Bachelor of Arts Level 8 Degree English and History. He then attended University City Dublin and achieved a Professional Master’s in Education with the focus of English and History. Francis began working in Presentation College Bray for the first year of his PME and De La Salle College Dundalk. The following academic year he moved to Aylesbury in England and began his Newly Qualified teaching course in The Grange School.
  
  Francis returned to Ireland and began working for the Louth Meath Educational Training Board. Over the next two years Francis worked in different schools for the LMETB as a teacher covering maternity leave and sick leave contracts. While working in these schools Francis obtained further experience teaching English and History whilst also gaining new teaching experience in the subjects of Religious Education and Civic Social Political Education.
  
  Francis decided to move to the UAE in 2019. He undertook a role as an English teacher in Emirates National School, Sharjah and worked there for three years. He has concluded that the UAE has more opportunities to offer and successfully applied to Ajman Academy for the role of English teacher.
  
  Francis is a conscientious teacher who believes in making a safe and enriching learning environment for all students. He aims to achieve this by employing various teaching methods and has recently focused on using technology in the classroom.
  
  In his spare time Francis enjoys playing Gaelic football with the Sharjah Gaels who are based in the Wanderers Sports Club in Sharjah. He also enjoys playing pick-up soccer games, swimming, and attending fitness
  
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  Hannah Auld

  English Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School

  Hannah Auld has over 6 years of experience working in education and has spent three years working as a trained English teacher in the United Kingdom. She also has nine years’ experience in other areas of work which include hospitality, administration, retail and proofreading.
  
  Hannah was born in Glasgow, Scotland to a Scottish mother and father. Having studied at the University of Glasgow, she obtained a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature. Following this, she worked for 2 years on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, working as an assistant language teacher in Fukuoka, Japan, and then a further 2 years teaching at various schools in Tokyo. During this time, Hannah discovered her passion for working with young people. Hannah returned to the UK to complete a Master’s in English Literature at University College London, and later qualified at the University of Edinburgh as a secondary English teacher.
  
  Hannah believes that every child is a unique individual with the potential to bring something different to the world. By believing in them as capable individuals, Hannah helps children develop to their full potential. She is continuously researching and looking for new ideas on how to continue to help the children in her class’s academic, social and emotional wellbeing. Hannah also regularly attends professional development courses which contribute to her achieving these goals.
  
  In her spare time, Hannah loves to travel all over the world, spend time with her family, socialise with friends, and keep fit by going to the gym and taking part in outdoor activities.
  
  
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  Balvinder Roudh Kaur

  English Teacher

  Departments: Secondary School

  Balvinder Kaur has thirteen years of experience in teaching English Language and English Literature to children aged 11-19 years at three different British schools. Graduating from Birmingham City University, Balvinder was a mature student who gained a BA Hons in English Language and Literature. She later went on to complete her PGCE at Newman University College. Having taught the National Curriculum, Balvinder is well-versed in the skills needed at KS3/MYP, KS4/GCSE and KS5/A level. She has also been an associate examiner for a leading examination awarding body for five years. Prior to teaching, Balvinder worked in customer service and legal administration, before becoming a mother of two children.
  
  Whilst Balvinder has not taught previously in an international school environment, she is a firm advocate of a values-led education. She believes that principles of respect, perseverance and resilience are important to shape the ways in which young people can grow to become confident and successful adults. As a part of this attitude to learning, Balvinder encourages her students to become independent, with critical thinking skills embedded in her lessons.
  
  Balvinder has a passion for teaching and learning which, over the years, she has fostered within the many PGCE and ECT teachers that she has mentored and coached throughout her own career. These are the same skills and passion for learning that Balvinder brings with her to contribute to the teaching and learning at Ajman Academy, with the hope of encouraging children to become life-long learners.
  
  
  
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  Sara Leah Augustus

  English Teacher - HOD

  Departments: Secondary School

  Sara Augustus was born and raised in Birmingham, UK, where she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Secondary English, within the National Curriculum of England, at Birmingham City University.
  
  Before joining Ajman Academy, Sara taught in her home city then shortly after relocated to Bahrain, where she taught for two years. Prior to moving to the Middle East, she also taught English as a Foreign language in Portugal, which ignited her passion for teaching and learning on a wider international scale.
  
  Sara is passionate about travel and thoroughly enjoys learning about other cultures and traditions through literature, arts, culture, food and history, which she integrates into her teaching as a way of acknowledging and celebrating diversity within the classroom and the wider community.
  
  Previous to working in education, Sara has 17 years of experience of working in a range of industries, from customer service, to educational and community charities, as well as quality assurance within higher education institutions.
  
  As an educator, Sara strongly believes that learning should be fun, inspiring and relevant to the world that our students live in, and should encourage them to be knowledgeable, open minded and respectful global citizens.
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  Zeina Rabbat

  Executive Administration Leader

  Departments: Administration

  Secondary Title: Executive Adminstration Leader